Martin Truex Jr. Turns up the heat, wins Phoenix (3-14-21)
By: Becca Cottingham
Headline Photo Credit: NASCAR Twitter Page
We stay out west and go to Phoenix. Brad Keselowski brings us to the green and he shoots way down to the bottom of the track. However, it does not take long before Denny Hamlin to pass Brad Keselowski. We will go into a much needed competition caution for fresh tires and for some drivers to make needed adjustments. Kyle Larson must fall to the back due to a speeding penalty going into the pits. We get back under green with Brad Keselowski. Ryan Blaney is faster and makes the move around Brad to take over the lead. Midway through the pack we get an accordion effect between Aric Almirola, Austin Dillion, and Alex Bowman. This will bring out a caution, but we do not get many takers on pit road. Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney go back to battle, but Blaney gets out in front. Ryan Bl aney stays out front, with Joey Logano is not far off. Joey Logano puts pressure on Ryan Blaney, but not enough as Ryan Blaney wins stage one.
In stage two multiple drivers try the Brad Keselowski using every inch of the track for positions. Joey Logano got a better restart to lead us to the start of stage two. Anthony Alfredo was behind a lap, when Cody Ware made contact and sent Anthony into the wall. We have battles going on all over the track with multiple drivers. Kyle Busch and another driver almost had a huge wreck. Something we do not usually hear from Kyle Busch is questions. On the flip side we are getting a huge issue from Kurt Busch and his frustration when his crew chief is asking questions. A driver that seems to have hit something different is Martin Truex Jr. He is moving through the field. As green flag pitstops start happening. Both Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch got hit with a heavy pit road penalties. Joey Logano continues to lead us through the end of stage two.
We get back under green and Joey Logano leads us to the start of stage three. Martin Truex Jr takes over the lead. He will give up the lead after green flag pitstops begin, but it will not be for long once they cycle back through. Due to Tyler Reddick slapping the wall the caution comes out and mixes things up once again. Multiple drivers hit pit lane for fresh tires and that allowed Joey Logano to get back out front. Another caution hits due to Kyle Busch having an issue. With around twenty laps to go, Martin Truex Jr has once again made his way to the front of the race. He will remain at the front of the race and gets his first unofficial win of 2021.
